KAWARTHA LAKES: “Good afternoon, it’s Friday, March 27. Much has changed with COVID-19 in the last two weeks. Going into the weekend, I want to update you on a couple [of] concerns. As most of you know, we have an ongoing outbreak at Pinecrest, a long-term care home in Bobcaygeon. This is currently the largest outbreak of the virus in the province. The jump we’ve seen in the number of positive cases confirmed in Kawartha Lakes is directly related to Pinecrest. This brings home how devastating this virus can be. It is unimaginable what the residents, staff and family members of Pinecrest are going through and we are saddened to hear of the losses they’ve already experienced. We are also very concerned for each of the residents and staff who are becoming ill. The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care is fully involved and everyone is doing their best to save lives. I am asking everyone to do all they can to stop the spread–if not to protect yourself, but to protect others who are more vulnerable. We know many of you already are, and for that, we thank you. This is why we are in a state of emergency – so that our sole focus can be on responding to the pandemic. All of our efforts are dedicated to fighting the spread of this virus. This is why we have shut down all non-critical services and only have vital staff in place. All municipal buildings have been closed, including amenities at our parks. It’s important to get fresh air and exercise, but please don’t use any equipment or play structures and continue to practice physical distancing even amongst the kids. I want to underline that our sole focus is [on] helping our front-line staff, such as our emergency response teams, and health care partners. We understand this pandemic is causing wide-ranging impacts on the economic and social aspects of our lives, in addition to physical and mental health. Be assured the city and council are looking ahead to meeting all other needs when we shift from the emergency phase of this pandemic to recovery mode. Until then, stay home and stay safe.”